Santanu Bhattacharya’s 2023 debut novel, “One Small Voice”, made a critically important impact with its exploration of both personal turmoil and the sweeping societal shifts occurring in India. The novel intertwines the story of a young boy traumatized by witnessing a mob attack on a Muslim man with a broader depiction of how modern India is grappling with the rise of Hindu nationalism. Bhattacharya’s ability to weave together intimate narratives with broader social commentary solidified his position as a gifted storyteller.
At the heart of the novel is Vivaan, a teenager living and studying in bengaluru, India’s tech hub. His story is told through a series of voice notes, a stylistic choice that reflects his generation’s digital fluency. Vivaan navigates the complexities of online relationships with openness and curiosity, embracing a fluid understanding of sexuality. He freely explores identities ranging from “heteroflexible” to “objectumsexual,” showcasing the evolving landscape of young adults’ self-expression.
Vivaan’s journey is guided by his uncle, Mambro, who sees himself reflected in his nephew and strives to provide the support that was lacking in his own life thirty years prior. Mambro’s experiences stand in stark contrast to those of Sukumar, his long-time lover, whose struggles to fully express his love and artistic talent paint a poignant picture of the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in a society struggling to accept their identities. Sukumar’s life unfolds as a melancholic narrative, marked by societal constraints and the feeling of always existing ”just outside the framework within which everyone lives.”
Sukumar’s own words reveal the long-lasting impact of societal pressure and stigma: “when he’d meet all those others,he’d learn that this was the story of every man like him,a long legacy littered with broken hearts,quashed dreams,duplicitous lives. Men like them, it was best they didn’t wish for anything at all.”
While relationships are acknowledged, Sukumar and Mambro’s partners remain unnamed, reflecting the ambiguity and secrecy that frequently enough shrouded LGBTQ+ relationships in a time when such love was criminalized in india under section 377 of the penal code. This law, a vestige of British colonialism, cast a long shadow over Indian society, enforcing a system that did not recognise or protect the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals.
Yet, even within this context, hope emerges. Vivaan witnesses the landmark Supreme Court judgment legalizing same-sex marriage, perceiving both the progress made and the lingering injustices. He observes, “the judges said big cuddly things about gay people, oh give them respect, show them love, but refused to grant equal rights.” This highlights the ongoing fight for full equality in India, a battle that continues despite significant legal and societal advancements.
Despite the challenges, the novel ultimately offers a message of resilience and change. The country is evolving, and Vivaan’s ability to attend the school dance with his boyfriend signifies a shift in attitudes and acceptance. the reluctant headteacher’s eventual agreement serves as a symbolic representation of a society slowly but surely embracing diversity and equality.
Finding Love and Language in a Digital Age
Table of Contents
- 1. Finding Love and Language in a Digital Age
- 2. How does “Deviants” explore themes of societal change and evolving attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals in India?
- 3. Love, Loss, and Finding Voice: An Interview with Santanu Bhattacharya
- 4. Tell us a little about what inspired you to write “Deviants.”
- 5. The novel delves into both the joy and pain of love, particularly for LGBTQ+ characters. What was it like portraying their experiences so authentically?
- 6. How did you approach the portrayal of societal constraints and the evolution of attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals in India?
- 7. The novel’s ending offers a glimmer of hope while acknowledging the ongoing struggle for full equality.What message do you hope readers will take away from “Deviants”?
In the intricate tapestry of human connection,language frequently enough serves as the thread that binds us. This is a theme explored beautifully in the novel,where the power of words to express love,longing,and the complexities of relationships takes center stage.
The author masterfully weaves together the stories of sukumar and Mambro, two individuals navigating the labyrinth of love and identity. Sukumar, grappling with societal expectations and familial pressures, finds himself stifled by the limitations of language.His inability to articulate his feelings for X creates a palpable tension, leaving him feeling suffocated: ”All the words he couldn’t tell her, all those feelings they didn’t have vocabulary for, all the things they didn’t have the courage to speak out loud, were circulating through his veins, making it tough to breathe.”
Mambro’s journey is equally poignant. His passionate relationship with Y, documented in a personal journal, becomes a source of both solace and ostracism.The discovery of his journal by university friends leads to alienation,forcing him to retreat into himself. Though, it’s through the eyes of his younger self, Vivaan, that Mambro finds a path towards healing. Vivaan, immersed in the digital world, recognizes the significance of genuine expression: “If you’ve been on those apps and know how people talk, you know that someone bothering to type out full sentences without grammatical errors is enough to make you fall in love with them.”
The novel’s exploration of language extends beyond personal relationships. It touches upon the broader societal context, highlighting the struggle for acceptance and understanding. Through vivid imagery, the author paints a picture of individuals yearning for connection, searching for the words to express their truth.
While the novel excels in its exploration of emotional depth, there’s a slight misstep in Vivaan’s response to heartbreak. his reliance on an AI bot, a digital simulacrum of intimacy, feels somewhat incongruous. Despite living a digital existence, Vivaan’s longing for genuine human connection ultimately prevails, reminding us that technology, however advanced, can never fully replace the richness of authentic relationships.
Santanu Bhattacharya’s “Deviants” is a captivating novel that delves into the complex interplay of politics, love, and freedom. Described as a “compelling, concise epic”, the book doesn’t shy away from exploring the harsh realities of the past while simultaneously offering a hopeful vision for the future. The author masterfully balances these contrasting themes, recognizing that progress frequently enough comes at a price. As one critic noted, “In Deviants, Bhattacharya has writen a compelling, concise epic, where politics, love and freedom are balanced and blended into a novel that is unflinching about the cruelties of the past, optimistic about what comes next, but wise enough to know that progress comes with costs, to.”
Published by Fig Tree, “Deviants” is available for £16.99.
How does “Deviants” explore themes of societal change and evolving attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals in India?
Love, Loss, and Finding Voice: An Interview with Santanu Bhattacharya
Santanu Bhattacharya’s debut novel “Deviants” has captivated readers with its powerful exploration of love, identity, and societal change in India. We sat down with Bhattacharya to discuss his inspirations for the book,the challenges of writing about complex themes,and the message he hopes readers will take away.
Tell us a little about what inspired you to write “Deviants.”
“The idea for ’Deviants’ stems from a deep-seated captivation with the complexities of human relationships, especially in the context of societal norms and expectations. Having grown up in India, I’ve always been keenly aware of the evolving social landscape and the struggles individuals face in navigating their identities amidst cultural shifts. This book was essentially an attempt to explore those narratives with honesty and empathy.”
The novel delves into both the joy and pain of love, particularly for LGBTQ+ characters. What was it like portraying their experiences so authentically?
“My goal was to portray the spectrum of human emotions with sincerity and nuance. Love, in all its complexities, is a universal experience, regardless of sexual orientation. I wanted to give voice to the silenced stories, to highlight the resilience and hope within the struggles, and to show the beauty that can blossom even amidst adversity. it was a challenging but ultimately rewarding process.”
How did you approach the portrayal of societal constraints and the evolution of attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals in India?
“I wanted to depict the past context accurately, acknowledging the past injustices and the progress made. It was critically important to show both the evolving legal landscape and the deeply ingrained social attitudes that continue to influence people’s lives. I aimed to paint a realistic picture without resorting to generalizations or stereotypes,recognizing the vast diversity of experiences within the LGBTQ+ community.”
The novel’s ending offers a glimmer of hope while acknowledging the ongoing struggle for full equality.What message do you hope readers will take away from “Deviants”?
“Above all, I hope readers will embrace the power of empathy and understanding. The novel is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, the transformative nature of love, and the importance of fighting for a more inclusive and equitable world. I believe that genuine connection transcends boundaries, and that by listening to each other’s stories, we can move towards a future where everyone feels valued and accepted.”
